PROS Good ride and handling balance, Powerful and efficient engine choices, Uncluttered interior CONS Little rear-seat leg room, Tight entry and exit, Minimal interior storage Cadillac's midsize luxury-performance sedan gets a makeover for 2008. Enhancements include freshened styling, a more powerful base engine, and new safety technology. STS is a five-passenger rear- or all-wheel drive sedan that competes with vehicles like the Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
STS is offered in V6, V8, and high-performance STS-V trim. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional on V6 and V8. All models have a 6-speed automatic transmission that features a separate shift gate for manual operation. V6 models get a 3.6-liter V6 that gains direct injection for '08, boosting horsepower from 255 to 298. V8 models return with a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter V8, and STS-V models get a supercharged version of that engine with 469 horsepower.
Newly available for 2008 are lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, adaptive cruise control, and Bluetooth cell-phone connection.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, tire-pressure warning system, rear-obstacle detection, and front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. V6 models include air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, leather upholstery and aluminum trim, trunk pass-through, power windows, mirrors, and locks, keyless access and start, remote engine start, satellite radio, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Vehicle Tested | 2008 Cadillac STS V6 Base Price: $42,390 As-Tested Price: $56,530 Built in Lansing, Michigan.
Options V6 Luxury Level TwoV6 Premium Luxury Collection Performance Handling Package Thunder Gray ChromaFlair Paint
Engine: DOHC 3.6-liter V6 Transmission: 6-speed automatic Drive Wheels: rear-wheel drive |
V8 models add memory system, heated front and rear seats, heated leather and wood steering wheel, wood interior trim, upgraded Bose audio system with in-cash 6-disc CD changer, and load-leveling suspension. STS-V adds limited-slip differential, uprated brakes and suspension, blind-spot alert and lane-departure warning, leather and suede upholstery, power sunroof, navigation system, rear radio controls, head-up instrument display, rear spoiler, HID headlamps, and magnetic ride control.
STS V6 has a base price of $42,390. V8 starts at $51,810, and SVS-V has a MSRP of $76,555. All models are built in Lansing, Michigan, and carry a $745 destination charge.
Get up and Go Through General Motors long history, the automaker has always done one thing right, build great engines that are well-suited to the needs of the American driver. STS's powerplants are no different. The base 3.6-liter V6 has ample power for just about any situation and is most impressive in mid-range passing situations. Cadillac claims the V6 will race from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. The engine is smooth and refined, even in hard acceleration.
V8 models are noticeably quicker, but not substantially so. The engine is smoother than the V6 overall and cruises effortlessly. The V's supercharged V8 is a thoroughbred. Cadillac claims it will push STS from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest luxury sedans in the world.
All engines mate well to the six-speed automatic, which does an excellent job of finding the right gear and sticking with it. All too often, six-speed automatics in luxury sedans are constantly hunting for the right gear or upshifting too quickly. Both cases leave the driver waiting for more power. The Cadillac automatic does none of that and it always alert for quick downshifts.
Cadillac claims that direct-injection's big bonus, as if adding 43 horsepower wasn't enough, is in a 25% reduction in emissions and a substantial fuel economy gain. The rear-drive STS V6 is EPA rated at 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Those numbers compare very favorably to other V6-powered midsize luxury sedans. In a routine blend of city and highway driving, most drivers should average 20 mpg. Also refreshing, Cadillac claims that the V6 will run fine on regular-grade gasoline. V8 and STS-V engines require premium-grade fuel.
On the Road STS shares its chassis with the smaller Cadillac CTS. That's a good thing because both ride a suspension that is tuned for an excellent blend of comfort and sport. STS V6 and V8 models ride comfortably over just about any surface, with the suspension doing an excellent job of filtering out the harshest bumps. Minor bumps do intrude, but never to the point of upsetting passengers.
The optional handling package adds larger wheels and uprated brakes. It also adds summer-only tires. There's little ride penalty, though the summer tires have less grip when the temperature drops, so they will have to be switched out in cold weather. As expected, STS-V has the firmest ride. Thankfully, it's not punishing or unrefined.
In the handling department, STS lags a little behind the class leaders. Where the BMW 5-Series and Acura RL feel ultra sure-footed on twisty roads, the STS seems a bit out of sorts. Body lean is manageable and the car tracks true on expressway ramps and through fast turns, but in quick changes of directions the body porpoises front to rear. It is a bit unsettling, but not dangerous.
Thankfully the steering seems to have just the right amount of boost and tracks true in highway driving. Brakes are strong and provide plenty of stopping power, more so with the optional handling package.
Cadillac has done a good job of quieting road and wind noise in STS. It is class competitive and the engines are smooth and refined. One note, at speeds above 70 mph, there is a slight wind rustle from the base of the windshield, probably due to protruding wiper arms.
Behind the Wheel STS sports a pleasing interior that's free from gimmicks, a thankful respite in this class. Materials are appropriate for the price--though the upper door panels could use more padding--and assembly quality is top notch.
Refreshingly, most controls are very simple and straight forward. Gauges are clear and easy to read, day or night. The optional head-up display is useful and helps keep driver's eyes on the road. Climate and audio buttons are clearly marked and within easy reach of both driver and passenger. Even the optional navigation system is easy to program. Other luxury automakers should take notice of how Cadillac has added technology to the STS without adding to driver distraction. NHTSA Crash-Test Results, 2008 Cadillac STS | Front Impact, Driver | 4 stars | Front Impact, Passenger | 4 stars | Side Impact, Driver | 4 stars | Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 stars | Rollover Resistance | 5 stars |
Front passengers have good head and leg room, but the seat bottoms are flat and come up short when support is needed on twisty roads. Power tilt-telescope steering wheel is a nice touch as is the driver memory system. Visibility is good, though larger outside mirrors would be appreciated and a back-up camera should be offered.
Perhaps STS's biggest disappointment is its cramped rear quarters. With the front seats forward, rear-seat leg room is tight. With the front seats back rear leg room is extremely limited. Seat comfort is good, and the large center armrest is a nice touch. It is a shame that STS doesn't offer more leg room, because Cadillac had a great opportunity to one-up the competition by offering a luxury-performance sedan with a roomy back seat. For some reason, GM's luxury brand chose not to.
Entry exit to the front is hampered by a narrow door opening. Unless you're very thin, it's likely that you will hit the thick B-pillar with your behind every time you sit down. Rear passengers have to navigate through narrow lower door openings.
Cargo room is average for the class. The rear seats don't fold, but there is a center pass-through for long items. The trunk opening isn't large, but it does feature expensive-looking hidden hinges that don't eat into cargo space. Interior storage is minimal. There's a small glove box, shallow front-door map pockets. and a single center-console storage bin.
Bottom Line Cadillac has reason to be proud of STS. It can finally compete toe-to-toe with the best the world has to offer on features, performance and style. Positives include great engines, uncluttered interior, and comfortable ride. The biggest drawback is the smallish rear seat.
STS isn't all that expensive either. Yes the V8 pushes north of $50,000, but most import V8s start at $55,000. And don't forget the V6. It is plenty fast and has a much lower sticker price. General Motors has made great strides with its Cadillac brand, adding striking style, impressive technology, and competitive models. Add to that the impressive engines and a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the STS becomes a great buy. Specifications, 2008 Cadillac STS V6 | Dimensions | 4-door sedan | Engine | DOHC V6 | Wheelbase, in. | 116.4 | Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 / 217 | Length, in. | 197.6 | Horsepower @ rpm | 298 @ 6500 | Width, in. | 72.6 | Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm | 268 @ 3200 | Height, in. | 57.6 | Transmission | 6-speed automatic | Weight, lbs. | 3875 | EPA Estimates, mpg | 17 city / 26 highway | Cargo Capacity, cu. ft. | 13.8 | | Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 | Manufacturer's Warranty | Seating Capacity | 5 | Bumper-to-Bumper | 4 years / 50,000 miles | Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | Powertrain | 5 years / 100,000 miles | Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | Corrosion | 6 years / 100,000 | Second-Row Head Room, in. | 37.9 | Free Roadside Assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles | Second-Row Leg Room, in. | 38.3 | Free Scheduled Maintenance | None |
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